This set of preparatory level method books are designed meet the needs of English-speaking students who are not necessarily American.  They are written in English but do not include patriotic or sacred themes. Alfred's Prep Course, Universal edition, is an exciting and colorful piano method for young beginners, ages five and up. The full-color illustrations are delightful and the wonderful melodies and lyrics were chosen to please very young students, taking into consideration their attention span as well as the reach of their small hands. The basics of music are introduced through the use of tuneful but simple music that advances at the proper speed for small children to comprehend and enjoy. Level A gives students a chance to play tunes immediately, on black key groups and then on the white keys using pre-staff notation (letter names written in notes).  The staff is introduced 2/3 of the way through and students play several tunes while reading from either the treble or bass staves.  The grand staff is introduced toward the end of the book and the young pianist begins to play tunes in C Major position. Rhythms throughout the book are simple (quarter, half, dotted half, and whole notes).  Level B gives instruction with fun pieces that reinforce elementary-level concepts. The pieces are generally in the form of simple, eight measure songs in C and G Major positions.  Other concepts introduced in the Level B book are melodic and harmonic 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths; phrasing; and rests.